A Tramp through Central America (La Ruta de Central America)

So, this is planning of a months long trek, tramp, drive and exploration of Central America. This will not include Mexico. It is far too big and will require its' own Trek. My intent is to take the road less traveled, meaning going outside the tourist track. This is my planning and we will have to wait and see how it compares to the actual doing.
The starting point will be Chetumal, Mexico which is as far south in Mexico as you can get alongside the Caribbean coastline ending in the Darien Jungle in Panama.
Background information: The Late Classic Period (600-900AD) saw the height of the Mayan civilization, not as a single empire but inter-dependent city-states. Each state was lead by a king who was the political and religious focus of the people. As such, he led the citiy's soldiers into battle against rival cities. Many kings perished in battle. What an excellent idea! Perhaps there would be less war if the political and/or religious leaders were involved in the fore. Then they might hesitate before going to war since I'm sure it is far easier to wat with someone elses' children.

Northern BELIZE (Belice)

Corozal
- Santa Rita Archaeological Site. Small restored Mayan Temple
- Cerros Archaeological Site - this center flourished during Late Preclassic times. It was a valuable trade center for Lamanai and other inland Mayan communites because it lay alongside the New River.

Orange Walk
- Cuello and Nohmul Archaeological Site - on private property (Cuello Brothers Distillery) ask
permission - this site is said to have a 3,000 year history however, there isn't much to show - will report back on that one.

Sarteneja and Shipstern Nature Reserve

- This reserve covers approximately 22,000 acres of forest, wetlands and mangrove shoreline. Is said to be home to more than 250 bird species as well as jaguars and other wildlife.

Lamanai and Northwestern Belize

- This is an archaeological reserve which remains mostly unexcavated and unrestored. It is one of only a few that were not abandoned at the fall of the Mayan empire (around 1200AD) and continued to thrive up to the time of the arrival of the Spanish.

Crooked Tree Sanctuary

- This sanctuary is full of many different wildlife. It was set up by the Audobon society in 1984. With nearly 300 species of birds, including Jabiru which is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere.

View my Guestbook

Free Guestbooks by Bravenet.com